[Entomology • 2017] Taxonomic Review of Eidmanacris Chopard, 1956 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae)

Eidmanacris desutterae  Campos, 2017

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4321.1.1 

Abstract

Eidmanacris Chopard, 1956 is revised, redescribed and eleven species are redescribed. Seven new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado (E. scopula Campos, sp. nov.; E. gigas Campos, sp. nov.; E. neomarmorata Campos, sp. nov.; E, desutterae Campos, sp. nov.; E. putuhra Campos, sp. nov.; E. fontanettiae Campos, Nihei & de Mello, sp. nov. and E. melloi Campos, sp. nov.) are described, based on adults. One new generic synonymy with Endophallusia de Mello, 1990 syn. nov., resulting in two new combinations (E. minuta (de Mello, 1990) comb. nov. and E. endophallica (de Mello, 1990) comb. nov.), a new combination with Phalangopsis spelucae Mello-Leitão, 1937 (E. speluncae (Mello-Leitão, 1937) comb. nov.), and one species synonymy (E. lencionii Bolfarini, 2016 = E. dissimilis Desutter-Grandcolas, 1995, syn. nov.) are proposed. Following this revision, Eidmanacris comprises a total of 29 species. An identification key to species, and distribution maps are also given.

Keywords:  Orthoptera, Neotropical region, cricket, taxonomy, description, new species

 Lucas Denadai De Campos, Pedro G. B. Souza-Dias and Silvio S. Nihei. 2017. Taxonomic Review of Eidmanacris Chopard, 1956 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae). Zootaxa. 4321(1);  1–93.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4321.1.1  

[Herpetology • 2017] Eumeces persicus • A New Species of Eumeces Wiegmann 1834 (Sauria: Scincidae) from Iran

Eumeces persicus

Faizi, Rastegar-Pouyani, Rastegar-Pouyani, Nazarov, Heidari, Zangi, Orlova & Poyarkov, 2017

Persian Striped Skink  || DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4320.2.5 

  

Abstract

We describe a new species of skink in the genus Eumeces Wiegmann 1834 from Iran. Eumeces persicus sp. nov. is a medium sized skink, distinguished by two clear, wide, and brown lateral lines extending from the ear opening to the hindlimbs, with scattered light orange spots, and two median rows of dorsal scales broadly enlarged in eight longitudinal rows. The new species ranges from southern Tehran to Kerman Province along the eastern slopes of the Zagros Mountains towards the Iranian plateau. We provide morphological comparisons of the new species with other Eumeces species from the region and molecular analyses of two mitochondrial markers (16S and Cytb). We also present taxonomic and phylo-genetic accounts, with an updated identification key for the genus Eumeces in Iran and surrounding regions. 

Keywords: Reptilia, Eumeces persicus sp. nov., Iranian Plateau, Morphology, Phylogeny, Skink

FIGURE 4. (A) Holotype of Eumeces persicus sp. nov. RUZM-SE-07. Inset shows close-up of the lateral side of the head. (B) Paratype specimen (ZMMU R-14723-1) alive in its habitat.

Eumeces persicus sp. nov. 

Proposed vernacular name: Persian Striped Skink

Etymology. The species epithet “persicus” is an adjective that refers to the current known distribution of the new species—Iran (=Persia).

Distribution. The new species is widely distributed at the eastern Zagros Mountain slopes, in the central plains of Iran from the deserts of southern Tehran to Kerman Province encompassing a distribution range of about 900 km. .... Further investigation is necessary to find more records in other regions with similar habitats situated between the two current localities. Eumeces persicus sp. nov. is also found in sympatry with other reptile species including snakes and lizards such as Bunopus crassicauda, Tenuidactylus caspium, Trachylepis aurata, Varanus griseus, Spalerosophis diadema, Malpolon insignitus, Lytorhynchus ridgewayi and Platyceps karelini, and specifically in close syntopy with Trapelus agilis.  

  Hiva Faizi, Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani, Eskandar Rastegar-Pouyani, Roman Alexeevich Nazarov,  Nastaran Heidari, Bahman Zangi, Valentina Orlova and Nikolay Poyarkov. 2017.  A New Species of Eumeces Wiegmann 1834 (Sauria: Scincidae) from Iran. Zootaxa. 4320(2);  289-304. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4320.2.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/319753936_Article_A_new_species_of_Eumeces_Wiegmann_1834_Sauria_Scincidae_from_Iran

[Ichthyology • 2017] Trichomycterus pascuali • A New Species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) Lacking Pelvic Fins from Paranapanema Basin, southeastern Brazil

Trichomycterus pascuali

Ochoa, Silva, Silva, Oliveira & Datovo, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4319.3.7 

Abstract

A new species of trichomycterid catfish, Trichomycterus pascuali, is described from Paranapanema basin and is distinguished from all congeners by the possession of five pectoral-fin rays and the absence of pelvic fin, girdle, and muscles. Additional features further differentiate the new species from the other congeners lacking pelvic fins, T. candidus, T. catamarcensis, and T. tropeiro. The identification of T. pascuali is additionally corroborated by genetic divergence based on DNA-barcode analysis. Osteological and myological data unequivocally support the inclusion of the new species in the Trichomycterinae and molecular analyses justify its allocation to the genus Trichomycterus rather than Eremophilus, a trichomycterine taxon traditionally diagnosed by the lack of pelvic fins. Our genetic analysis further indicates that pelvic fins were independently lost in E. mutisii, T. candidus, and T. pascuali.

Keywords: Pisces, Upper Paraná Basin, Freshwater catfish, pelvic-fin loss, taxonomy

FIGURE 2. Body coloration patterns observed in Trichomycterus pascuali, LBP 23323, (A) 45.4 mm SL, (B) 52.2 mm SL. 

Luz E. Ochoa, Gabriel S. C. Silva, Guilherme J. Costa E. Silva, Claudio Oliveira and Alessio Datovo. 2017. New Species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) Lacking Pelvic Fins from Paranapanema Basin, southeastern Brazil.   Zootaxa. 4319(3); 550–560. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4319.3.7

[Herpetology • 2017] Abavorana nazgul • A New Species of Frog of the Genus Abavorana (Anura: Ranidae) from Gunung Jerai, Kedah, northwestern Peninsular Malaysia

Abavorana nazgul

Quah, Anuar, Grismer, Wood, Azizah & Muin, 2017

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4320.2.4 

Abstract

The recently erected ranid genus Abavorana is thought to contain one nominal species, A. luctuosa, that ranges from the Thai-Malay Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra. A melanistic form from Gunung Jerai, Peninsular Malaysia previously thought to be the same species is new to science and herein described based on new specimens and data. Based on morphology, colour pattern, and phylogenetic analyses using the mitochondrial genes 16s, ND1 and three tRNAs (tRNA-leu, tRNA-lle, and tRNA-gln), we determine that this new species, Abavorana nazgul sp. nov., is the sister lineage to other populations of A. lucutosa from Peninsular Malaysia and one from Borneo. It differs from A. luctuosa by a minimum sequence divergence of 7.5% and the following combination of morphological and colour pattern characteristics: (1) SVL 42.1–50.0 mm in adult males; (2) prominent but small humeral glands in males (2.3–2.5 mm); (3) dorsolateral stripe continuous, orange to yellow in colour; (4) mid-dorsal region of dorsum black, with or without faint orange or yellow speckles; (5) flanks with distinct cream spots; (6) dorsal surfaces of limbs with cream spots–bar; and (7) venter grayish brown, with prominent light spots on throat and belly. The discovery of yet another endemic species from the upland regions of Peninsular Malaysia highlights the rich diversity of these habitats and the need for more studies in montane areas throughout the region.

Keywords: Amphibia, Herpetofauna, montane, new species, taxonomy, conservation, systematics

Abavorana lucutosa  

Evan S.H. Quah, Shahrul M.S. Anuar, L.L. Grismer, Perry L. JR. Wood, Siti M.N. Azizah and Mohd Abdul Muin. 2017. A New Species of Frog of the Genus Abavorana Oliver, Prendini, Kraus & Raxworthy 2015 (Anura: Ranidae) from Gunung Jerai, Kedah, northwestern Peninsular Malaysia.  Zootaxa. 4320(2); 272–288. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4320.2.4

 facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155481613939713

[Ichthyology • 2017] Pomatoschistus nanus (Teleostei, Gobiidae) • the Mediterranean's Smallest Marine Fish

Pomatoschistus nanus Engin & Seyhan, 2017

DOI:  10.1111/jfb.13455  

Abstract

The new sand goby species Pomatoschistus nanus (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described from the northern coast of the Levantine Sea (eastern Mediterranean Sea) based on both morphological and DNA barcoding data. The new species is the smallest fish in the Mediterranean Sea and may be distinguished from congeners by the following features: predorsal area, first dorsal-fin base and breast naked; δ-pore missing; anterior point of the suborbital row b not reaching level of posterior point of suborbital row d; slightly emarginated caudal fin and nape coloration pattern. DNA barcode data clearly discriminate Pomatoschistus spp. in the neighbour-joining tree with an average of 17·7% interspecific K2P distance. The most closely related taxon to P. nanus sp. nov. is Pomatoschistus bathi and the most distantly related is Pomatoschistus tortonesei with 11·9 and 21·9% K2P distances respectively. Morphometric and genetic data are also provided for Pomatoschistus bathi.

Key words: DNA barcoding; Pomatoschistus bathi; Pomatoschistus nanus; rebreather; sand goby. 

Fig. 3. (a) Preserved paratype Pomatoschistus nanus sp. nov., IKC.PIS.1059, male, 14·63 mm standard length (LS); (b) preserved holotype, IKC.PIS·1057, female, 15·88 mm LS; (c) live specimen observed in natural habitat.

  

Pomatoschistus nanus sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from ancient Greek, which means pygmaean. 

   

S. Engin and D. Seyhan. 2017. A New Species of Pomatoschistus (Teleostei, Gobiidae): the Mediterranean's Smallest Marine Fish. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI:  10.1111/jfb.13455 

  

[Mammalogy • 2017] Murina hkakaboraziensis • A New Species of Murina (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the Hkakabo Razi Landscape, Sub-Himalayan Forests of northern Myanmar

Murina hkakaboraziensis

Soisook, Thaw, Kyaw, Oo, Pimsai, Suarez-Rubio & Renner, 2017

ค้างคาวจมูกหลอดคากาโบราซี || Hkakabo Razi Tube-nosed Bat || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4320.1.9

Abstract

A new species of Murina of the suilla-type is described from the Hkakabo Razi Landscape, Kachin, Upper Myanmar, an area that is currently being nominated as a World Heritage Site. The new species is a small vespertilionid, with a forearm length of 29.6 mm, and is very similar to M. kontumensis, which was recently described from Vietnam. However, it is distinguishable by a combination of external and craniodental morphology and genetics. The DNA Barcode reveals that the new species clusters sisterly to M. kontumensis but with a genetic distance of 11.5%. A single known specimen of the new species was collected from a lowland forest area in the plains of the Hkakabo Razi landscape, south-eastern Himalaya. Additional information on ecology, echolocation, and conservation are included. The high cryptic diversity of the genus Murina in Southeast Asia, as well as the Hkakabo Razi Landscape being a bat diversity hotspot, is highlighted.

Keywords:  Mammalia, cryptic species, Hkakabo Razi, Myanmar, new species, Southeast Asia

FIGURE 1. The appearance of the face, ear and pelage (a), dorsal pelage (b), and ventral pelage (c) of Murina hkakaboraziensis sp. nov., ♂PS160218.6, holotype, from Kachin, Myanmar.

Murina hkakaboraziensis sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species is named after the Hkakabo Razi Landscape, where the only known specimen was collected. The proposed English name is ‘Hkakabo Razi Tube-nosed Bat’

Ecology and distribution. The new species, M. hkakaboraziensis sp. nov., was collected in a mist net set at the edge of a lowland semi-evergreen forest at the transition zone to an open space grassland, which undergoes an annual burn (Fig. 5). The new species was the only bat captured in the mist net. However, on the same night, four other insectivorous bats, Rhinolophus affinis, R. pusillus, Aselliscus stoliczkanus and Hipposideros pomona were captured in nearby mist nets and harp traps. Four other vespertilionids, M. cyclotis, M. feae, M. cf. eleryi, Kerivoula hardwickii, and K. furva were also captured in the same area on other nights. Currently, the new species is only known from the holotype collected from the type locality in the Hkakabo Razi Landscape, Kachin, northern Myanmar.

Discussion:

The discovery of Murina hkakaboraziensis sp. nov., as well as a recently described Kerivoula furva (Kuo et al. 2017), indicates that the Hkakabo Razi Landscape is extremely understudied in terms of bats. Based only on a single scientific expedition in 2016, 37 species of bats were recorded from HRL (P. Soisook, unpublished data) representing approximately 40% of bats in Myanmar. Nevertheless, the 2016 expedition focused only on a limited geographical area and elevation of the HRL. Future surveys to cover the variety of habitats, particularly at the higher elevations, would be of interest. 

The vespertilionid community in the HRL appears to be a geographical connection and a unique mix of species those found widespread in the Indochinese Region (e.g. M. cyclotis, M. feae, M. cf. eleryi, K. kachinensis, K. hardwickii, and K. furva), and those from the Indian Region (e.g. M. cf. jaintiana, M. cf. pluvialis). It indicates the importance of primary forests, and ongoing biogeographical processes of the HRL, underlining the significance of Myanmar’s endeavour to nominate the area as a Natural World Heritage Site. 

FIGURE 5. The edge of a lowland semi-evergreen forest at the transition zone to an open space grassland where the specimen of Murina hkakaboraziensis sp. nov. was captured. Photograph by Sai Sein Lin Oo.

Pipat Soisook, Win Naing Thaw, Myint Kyaw, Sai Sein Lin Oo, Awatsaya Pimsai, Marcela Suarez-Rubio and Swen C. Renner. 2017. A New Species of Murina (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from sub-Himalayan Forests of northern Myanmar.   Zootaxa. 4320(1); 159–172. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4320.1.9

Hao-Chih Kuo, Pipat Soisook, Ying-Yi Ho, Gabor Csorba, Chun-Neng Wang and Stephen J. Rossiter. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of the Kerivoula hardwickii complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with the Description of A New Species.   Acta Chiropterologica. 19(1); 19-39.  DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

     

[Botany • 2017] Impatiens casseabriae & I. putaoensis • Two New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Putao, Kachin State, northern Myanmar

Impatiens putaoensis

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.321.1.4 

CAS.cn

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, are here described and illustrated. Impatiens casseabriae can be easily recognized by its narrowly elliptic to narrowly oblanceolate leaves, petioles up to 3 mm long, lower lateral united petals 25–40 mm long. Impatiens putaoensis differs from its closely related species I. xanthina in having light greenish yellow flowers, lateral sepals ovate to elliptic, lower lobe of united petals semilunar, upper lobe of united petals dolabrate, dorsal petal ovate to nearly orbicular, with a narrow inconspicuous dorsal crest. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of sequences from both nuclear ribosomal and plastidgenes confirm that the two new species are distinct from previously recorded species.

Keywords: phylogeny, botanical expeditions, diversity, CAS-SEABRI, Eudicots

Impatiens casseabriae. A-D. Habit; E. Different parts of the flower and capsule; F. Flower (front view).

Images by TAN Yunhong. 

 Impatiens putaoensis. G, H. Habit; I. Different parts of the flower, pedicel with immature capsule and pedicel with flower (lateral view). 

Images by TAN Yunhong.

Impatiens casseabriae. A-D. Habit; E. Different parts of the flower and capsule; F. Flower (front view).
Impatiens putaoensis. G, H. Habit; I. Different parts of the flower, pedicel with immature capsule and pedicel with flower (lateral view). (Images by TAN Yunhong) 

Bin Yang, Shi-Shun Zhou, Kyaw Win Maung and Yun-Hong Tan. 2017. Two New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Putao, Kachin State, northern Myanmar. Phytotaxa. 321(1); 103–113.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.321.1.4

Two New Species of Balsaminaceae Reported from Northeern Myanmar
english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research_news/201709/t20170914_183100.shtml

   

[Paleontology • 2017] Arminisaurus schuberti • A Rare New Pliensbachian Plesiosaurian from the Amaltheenton Formation of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany

Arminisaurus schuberti  Sachs & Kear, 2017

DOI: 10.1080/03115518.2017.1367419

Abstract

We describe a new plesiosaurian from the upper Pliensbachian Amaltheenton Formation of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany. The taxon is based upon an incomplete associated skeleton comprising part of the right mandibular ramus, several teeth, a series of cervical, pectoral, dorsal and caudal vertebrae, as well as ribs, limb girdle elements including a nearly complete right scapula, and various distal limb bones. A unique character state combination serves to distinguish the Amaltheenton Formation remains from other previously documented Early Jurassic plesiosaurians. The most important features are the presence of a longitudinal notch incising the posterior rim of the glenoid fossa and retroarticular process, and a pronounced ventrolateral shelf on the scapula, both of which constitute derived states otherwise shared with Early Cretaceous leptocleidians. However, phylogenetic analysis using a ‘total group’ Plesiosauria data-set that specifically accommodates for Pliensbachian taxa unanimously placed the Amaltheenton Formation plesiosaurian among Early–Middle Jurassic pliosaurids. This discovery is significant because it reveals unexpected homoplasy, but also because it establishes what is only the third formally named plesiosaurian taxon thus far documented from Pliensbachian strata worldwide.

Key words: Plesiosauria, Early Jurassic, pliosaurid, ‘Pliensbachian gap’. 

Systematic palaeontology

SAUROPTERYGIA Owen, 1860

PLESIOSAURIA de Blainville, 1835

PLIOSAURIDAE Seeley, 1874

Arminisaurus gen. nov. 

Etymology. Armini-, referring to Arminius (Armin), chieftain of the Germanic Cherusci tribe who defeated a Roman army in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest; and -saurus Latinized Greek for ‘lizard’. 

Arminisaurus schuberti sp. nov.

Etymology: The species name honours Mr. Siegfried Schubert, who recovered the holotype NAMU ES/jl 36052 for science and has contributed to palaeontological research in the Bielefeld region for the last decade.

Type locality and unit. Beukenhorst-II claypit in the Jöllenbeck district of Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, northwestern Germany. Type stratum is the upper Pliensbachian (Lower Jurassic) middle Amaltheus subnodosus Subzone (Amaltheus margaritatus Zone) of the Amaltheenton Formation.

Sven Sachs and Benjamin P. Kear. 2017. A Rare New Pliensbachian Plesiosaurian from the Amaltheenton Formation of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany. Alcheringa.  DOI: 10.1080/03115518.2017.1367419

 Ancestor of sea reptile super-predators found in Germany http://phy.so/424681896  via @physorg_com

[Ornithology • 2017] Tapping the Woodpecker Tree for Evolutionary Insight

Shakya, Fuchs, Pons & Sheldon, 2017 

  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.09.005

Highlights

• We compared DNA sequences of six loci from 203 of the 217 recognized species to construct a comprehensive tree of intrafamilial relationships of woodpeckers and found numerous unknown relationships among clades and species.

• We discuss how convergence, mimicry, and potential cases of hybridization obscured woodpecker relationships for morphological taxonomists.

• We also used the tree to analyze rates of diversification and biogeographic patterns within the family.

Abstract

Molecular phylogenetic studies of woodpeckers (Picidae) have generally focused on relationships within specific clades or have sampled sparsely across the family. We compared DNA sequences of six loci from 203 of the 217 recognized species of woodpeckers to construct a comprehensive tree of intrafamilial relationships. We recovered many known, but also numerous unknown, relationships among clades and species. We found, for example, that the three picine tribes are related as follows (Picini, (Campephilini, Melanerpini)) and that the genus Dinopium is paraphyletic. We used the tree to analyze rates of diversification and biogeographic patterns within the family. Diversification rate increased on two occasions during woodpecker history. We also tested diversification rates between temperate and tropical species but found no significant difference. Biogeographic analysis supported an Old World origin of the family and identified at least six independent cases of New World-Old World sister relationships. In light of the tree, we discuss how convergence, mimicry, and potential cases of hybridization have complicated woodpecker taxonomy.

Keywords: biogeography; convergence; diversification rates; phylogeny; Picidae; rate-shifts

Subir B. Shakya, Jérôme Fuchs, Jean-Marc Pons and Frederick H. Sheldon. 2017. Tapping the Woodpecker Tree for Evolutionary Insight. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.09.005

New paper by #LSUMNS student Subir Shakya & Curator Fred Sheldon in MP&E. "Tapping the Woodpecker Tree for Evolutionary Insight" 

facebook.com/LSUMNS/posts/1664384803581333

[Botany • 2017] Asplenium minutifolium (Aspleniaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

Asplenium minutifolium Kanem. & Tagane

 DOI: 10.20531/tfb.2017.45.1.06 

ABSTRACT 

A new species of Asplenium (Aspleniaceae), Asplenium minutifolium Kanem. & Tagane, from Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province, Northeast Thailand and Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Nayok Province, Central Thailand, is described and illustrated. This species can be distinguished from all similar species in East and South-East Asia by its simple and small lamina (1–5 × 0.3–0.7 cm), small and entire pinnae (1–4 × 0.8–2.5 mm), reflexed pinna arrangement (>90° from the midrib) in the lower 2/3 of the lamina and a sori arrangement that is almost always arranged in a single row on the basiscopic vein. 

KEYWORDS: Asplenium, Aspleniaceae, Pteridophyte, Fern, new species, Phu Kradueng National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Thailand.

Figure 2. Asplenium minutifolium  Kanem. & Tagane, sp. nov.
 A. habit; B. portion of lamina (undersurface) showing sori; C. rhizome with scales; D. habitat.

Asplenium minutifolium Kanem. & Tagane, sp. nov. 

Similar to Asplenium kiangsuense Ching & Y.X.Jing of southern China in size and shape of lamina, but differs in having a narrower lamina (ca 0.7 cm wide in A. minutifolium vs. ca 1 cm wide in A. kiangsuense), wingless rachis (vs. 2 slightly raised lateral wings), smaller pinnae (1–4 × 0.8–2.5 mm vs. 4–5 × 4–5 mm), generally fewer sori per pinna (1– 3(–4) vs. 3–5), and in the sori arrangement (usually arranged in a row vs. arranged oppositely). Also similar to Asplenium siamense Tagawa & K.Iwats. of North-East Thailand, but can be distinguished by its simple pinnae at the tip of lamina (vs. lamina forked several times at the tip), thicker pinnae (thickly papery vs. thinly papery), reflexed pinna arrangement in lower part (vs. divaricate around lamina), and pinnae with entire or slightly undulate margins (vs. shallowly lobed (lobes to ca 1mm long)). 

–– Type: Thailand. Loei Province, Phu Kradueng National Park, Lom Sak Cliff, alt. 1292 m, 12 June 2015, Kanemitsu et al. T4736 (holotype BKF!, isotype TNS!).  

Distribution.–– Currently Asplenium minutifolium is known only from Phu Kradueng National Park and Khao Yai National Park. 

Ecology.–– In Phu Kradueng National Park, Asplenium minutifolium occurs in a semi-shaded and damp rock crevice that is ca 50 cm wide and 10 cm deep, on the plateau at an altitude of ca 1300 m. Associated fern and lycophyte species include Aglaomorpha rigidula (Sw.) Hovenkamp & S.Linds., Goniophlebium subauriculatum (Blume) C.Presl, Oleandra undulata (Willd.) Ching, Pyrrosia lingua (Thunb.) Farw. var. heteractis (Mett. ex Kuhn) Hovenkamp, and Selaginella siamensis Hieron. Other than the elevation, nothing is known about the ecology of this species at Khao Yai National Park. 

Etymology.–– The species epithet “minutifolium” refers to the very small lamina and pinnae of this species.

 Hironobu Kanemitsu, Shuichiro Tagane, Somran Suddee, Sukid Ruangruaea, Tetsukazu Yahara. 2017. Asplenium minutifolium (Aspleniaceae), A New Species from Thailand. THAI FOREST BULL., BOT.  45(1); 29–34.  DOI: 10.20531/tfb.2017.45.1.06

[Botany • 2017] Polyalthia yingjiangensis • A New Species (Annonaceae) from the China/Myanmar Border

Polyalthia yingjiangensis  Y. H. Tan & B. Xue

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.01612 

Abstract

Polyalthia yingjiangensis sp. nov. is described from the China/Myanmar border. It is distinct in having outer petals that are much shorter than the inner petals and having a very long pedicel. It is most similar to P. miliusoides I.M. Turner, but differs in having perianth parts that are glabrous adaxially and pubescent abaxially, thicker and sparsely pubescent pedicels, as well as verrucose and darker monocarps.

Figure 1. Flower and fruit morphology of Polyalthia yingjiangensis sp. nov. (A)–(E) branch and inflorescence, showing extra-axillary inflorescence with long pedicel, unequal corolla whorls and leaves with slightly asymmetrical leaf base with petiole superficially below lamina surface, (F) dried fruits (C. L. Dang 9977, YUKU), (G) a single dried monocarp, showing the verrucose surface (86 Exped. 01111, KUN), (H) lateral and top view of one seed, showing the shallow longitudinal circumferential groove (86 Exped. 01111, KUN), (I) transverse and longitudinal section of the seed, showing spiniform endosperm ruminations (86 Exped. 01111, KUN).

Photos: (A)–(E) De-Ping Ye, (F)–(I) Bine Xue.

Polyalthia yingjiangensis Y. H. Tan & B. Xue sp. nov.  

Etymology: The new species Polyalthia yingjiangensis is named after its type locality, Yingjiang county of Yunnan province, China.

Bine Xue, De-Ping Ye, Yun-Yun Shao and Yun-Hong Tan. 2017. Polyalthia yingjiangensis sp. nov (Annonaceae) from the China/Myanmar Border. Nordic Journal of Botany. 35; 476–481.  DOI: 10.1111/njb.01612

[Herpetology • 2017] Japalura slowinskii • A New Species of Japalura (Squamata, Agamidae) from the Nu River Valley in southern Hengduan Mountains, Yunnan, China

Japalura slowinskii Rao, Vindum, Ma, Fu & Wilkinson, 2017

 DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.160053 

Abstract

 A population of Japalura from Yunnan Province, China, previously assigned to Japalura splendida, is described as a new species. The new species has been recorded between 1138–2500 m in the Nu River drainage between the towns of Liuku and Binzhongluo, and on the lower western slopes of the Nushan and eastern slopes of the Goaligongshan. The new species can be distinguished from other species of Japalura, except J. dymondi, by the following combination of characters: exposed tympani, prominent dorso-lateral stripes, and small gular scales. It is very similar with but differs from J. dymondi by having smooth or feebly keeled dorsal head scales, three relatively enlarged spines on either side of the post-occiput area, strongly keeled and mucronate scales on occiput area and within the lateral stripes, back of arm and leg green, higher number of dorsal-ridge scales (DS) and fourth toe subdigital scales (T4S). A principal component analysis of body measurements of adult male specimens of the new species and J. dymondi showed principal component 1 loading highest for upper arm length, fourth toe length and snout to eye length and principal component 2 loading highest for head width, head length and fourth toe length.

Keywords: Agamidae, Japalura sp. nov., Goaligongshan Mountain, Nujiang River Valley, Hengduan Mountains, Yunnan, China

Japalura slowinskii sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A large species of Japalura with a robust head and body compressed dorso-ventrally; SVL = 89.6±5.44 mm (n = 18; Male); SVL = 83.9±6.71 mm (n = 7; Female); smooth or feebly keeled dorsal head scales; exposed tympani; a transverse gular fold; a distinct oblique fold anterior to shoulder extending dorsally from transverse gular fold and continuing posteriorly beyond shoulder; dorsal scales heterogeneous, larger scales strongly keeled; a broken dorso-lateral row of enlarged and strongly keeled scales separated from dorsal crest scales by one large or two smaller scales, and separated from each other by one or two small scales; tail in adult males slightly swollen posterior to base; dorsum of males black with a turquoise dosolateral stripe on either side of mid-dorsal crest: fore and hind limbs green.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym honoring our late friend and colleague Joseph Bruno Slowinski. The epithet is a masculine noun in the genitive case. Dr. Joseph B. Slowinski worked in CAS until his death on September 11, 2001 in north Myanmar a bite from a krait during a field expedition at the age of 38 years old, when he was in charge of both the projects of Myanmar Biodiversity Survey, and the China Natural History Project — the NSF-funded Gaoligongshan Project (collaborative project between KIZ, KIB, and CAS).

Distribution and Natural History: Japalura slowinskii has only been found within the Nu River Valley drainage system between the town of Liuku, Liushu County, and the town of Binzhongluo, Gongshan County, a northsouth distance of approximately 210 km (refer to Figure 1). The species has been found on the western slopes of the Nu Shan and the eastern slopes of the Goaligongshan between elevations of 1 138–2 500 m. J. slowinskii has not been recorded on the eastern slopes of the Nushan or the Hengduan Shan, or on the western slope of the Goaligongshan; however, these areas have not been thoroughly surveyed for reptiles. It is unlikely that the species extends beyond the western slopes of the Goaligongshan because of the high altitude of the ridge (above 3 000 m [Chaplin, 2005]). A recent collecting trip (2005) to Dulong Valley, west of the Goaligongshan ridge, only recorded a single agamid species, Pseudocalotes kingdonwardi.  ....

Dingqi Rao, Jens V. Vindum, Xiaohui Ma, Mingxia Fu and Jeffery A. Wilkinson. 2017. A New Species of Japalura (Squamata, Agamidae) from the Nu River Valley in Southern Hengduan Mountains, Yunnan, China. Asian Herpetological Research. 8(2); 86–95 DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.160053http://www.ahr-journal.com/Upload/PaperUpLoad/e696531f-1317-4b8a-bc9e-6caac3bcc6a7.pdf